Cosmetic formulations of quaternary ammonium compounds incorporating polyhydric alcohols

ABSTRACT

Cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions containing quaternary ammonium compounds, particularly for hair-treatment, require low setting points, good solubility and dispersibility in aqueous media and a low flash point. It has now been found that such compositions can be formulated with quaternary ammonium compounds and polyhydric alcohols. The invention provides compositions comprising  
     a) at least one quaternary ammonium compound,  
     b) at least one branched alcohol having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol and at least one unbranched alcohol having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, and  
     c) at least one polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.  
     The resulting compositions have a low setting point or melting point, good solubility and dispersibility in aqueous media and a low flash point.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to compositions comprising quaternary ammonium compounds which have a low setting point, good solubility or dispersibility in aqueous media and a low flash point and are thus highly suitable for formulating quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0002] Cosmetic compositions, such as, for example, hair-treatment compositions, often comprise sparingly water-soluble quaternary ammonium compounds which have a long-chain alkyl or alkenyl group. Such compositions are usually formulated as aqueous dispersions, emulsions, microemulsions, gels or else in aerosol form and are used, for example, as shampoos, hair cures, hair rinses, etc.

[0003] For the manufacturer of such compositions, it is highly advantageous to prepare the quaternary ammonium compounds as compounded materials or formulations in the form of flakes, pellets or pastes which, as well as having a high cationic active ingredient content, have a low setting point and good solubility or dispersibility in aqueous media.

[0004] In accordance with the prior art, the above requirements can be achieved by adding short-chain alcohols, in particular isopropanol, in amounts of from 15 to 20% by weight. Because of their low boiling and flash points, however, the use of such short-chain alcohols is problematical.

[0005] As described in WO 00/28950, the short-chain alcohols can be replaced by linear fatty alcohols (e.g. cetyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, behenyl alcohol or stearyl alcohol). In order to lower the setting point of the mixtures to temperatures below 100° C., glycols, such as, for example, propylene glycol or 1,3-butanediol, are additionally added. WO 00/28950 further emphasizes that the fatty alcohols are advantageously homogeneous fatty alcohols which contain less than about 10% by weight of another fatty alcohol.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Surprisingly, it has now been found that compositions comprising quaternary ammonium compounds, branched long-chain alcohols, preferably mixtures of branched and unbranched long-chain alcohols, and low molecular weight polyhydric alcohols have a low setting point, good solubility and dispersibility in aqueous media and a low flash point. Such compositions are thus highly suitable for formulating quaternary ammonium compounds.

[0007] The invention provides compositions comprising

[0008] a) at least one quaternary ammonium compound according to formula (1)

[0009] where

[0010] R₁ is an unbranched or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, a group R₅CONH(CH₂)_(n)— or a group R₅COO(CH₂)_(n)—, where R₅ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 8, and

[0011] R₂, R₃ and R₄, independently of one another, may be identical or different and are a —CH₃, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂OH or CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH group and

[0012] X⁻ is an anion, and

[0013] b) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, and

[0014] c) at least one polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0015] The branched alcohols b1) and unbranched alcohols b2) can be saturated or unsaturated.

[0016] Particularly advantageous performance properties are exhibited by compositions which comprise, as alcohol component b), a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2).

[0017] The proportion of quaternary ammonium compounds a), based on the finished compositions, is preferably 30 to 90% by weight, particularly preferably 50 to 90% by weight, especially preferably 60 to 90% by weight, very particularly preferably 60 to 80% by weight.

[0018] Surprisingly, it has been found that the compositions can advantageously have high proportions by weight of quaternary ammonium compounds a) coupled with simultaneously low melting and setting points.

[0019] Quaternary ammonium compounds a) are preferably (C₁₂-C₃₆)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds, particularly preferably (C₁₄-C₃₀)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds, especially preferably (C₁₆-C₂₄)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds.

[0020] Particular preference is given to alkyltrimethylammonium compounds in which the alkyl radical is a behenyl, erucyl, cetyl or stearyl radical. The anion X⁻ in formula (1) may be any desired charge-balancing anion; preferably chloride, iodide, bromide, methosulfate, hydrogensulfate, lactate and/or citrate, particularly preferably chloride and methosulfate.

[0021] A very particularly suitable quaternary ammonium compound a) is behenyltrimethylammonium chloride.

[0022] The proportion of alcohol component b) is, based on the finished compositions, preferably 10 to 60% by weight, particularly preferably 10 to 50% by weight, especially preferably 20 to 40% by weight.

[0023] If the compositions comprise branched alcohols b1) and unbranched alcohols b2), then the weight ratio of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is preferably 90:10 to 10:90, particularly preferably 70:30 to 30:70, especially preferably 60:40 to 40:60.

[0024] Preferably, the branched alcohols b1) and the unbranched alcohols b2) have 10 to 24, particularly preferably 12 to 18, especially preferably 14 to 16, carbon atoms. The branched alcohols b1) are preferably singly branched.

[0025] Particularly suitable branched alcohols b1) are Guerbet alcohols, 2-methyl-1-decanol, 2-ethyl-1-nonanol, 2-propyl-1-octanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-butyldecanol, 2-hexyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-octyldecanol, 2-hexyldodecanol, 2-octyldodecanol, 2-decyltetradecanol, 2-butyl-1-heptanol, 2-dodecylhexadecanol, tetradecyloctadecanol, 2-tetradecyleicosanol, 2-hexadecyloctadecanol, 2-hexadecyleicosanol, 2-methyltridecanol, 2-ethyldodecanol, 2-propylundecanol, 2-pentylnonanol, 2-heptylheptanol, 2-methyltetradecanol, 2-ethyltridecanol, 2-propyldodecanol, 2-butylundecanol, 2-pentyldecanol, 2-hexylnonanol, 2-heptyloctanol, isotridecyl alcohol and mixtures thereof.

[0026] Particular preference is given to compositions which comprise, as branched alcohols b1), alcohol mixtures corresponding to the commercially available ®Isalchem grades (Sasol).

[0027] Preferred branched alcohols b1) for the combined use with unbranched alcohols b2) are 2-methyltridecanol, 2-ethyldodecanol, 2-propylundecanol, 2-butyidecanol, 2-pentylnonanol, 2-hexyloctanol, 2-heptylheptanol, 2-methyltetradecanol, 2-ethyltridecanol, 2-propyidodecanol, 2-butylundecanol, 2-pentyldecanol, 2-hexylnonanol and 2-heptyloctanol.

[0028] Preferred unbranched alcohols b2) are fatty alcohols, particularly preferably lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol. Likewise preferred are nonanol, undecanol, tridecanol, pentadecanol and heptadecanol.

[0029] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the compositions comprise branched alcohols b1) and unbranched alcohols b2) having in each case 14 to 16 carbon atoms, where the weight ratio, based on the finished compositions, of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is 70:30 to 30:70, particularly preferably 65:35 to 55:45, especially preferably 60:40, and the weight ratio of alcohols having 14 carbon atoms to alcohols having 15 carbon atoms is in the range from 55:45 to 65:35.

[0030] Particular preference is given to compositions which comprise, as mixtures of branched alcohols b1) and unbranched alcohols b2), alcohol mixtures corresponding to the ®LIAL grades (e.g. ®LIAL 145 and 123, Sasol). The alcohols from the ®LIAL grades are typically prepared by the oxo process.

[0031] The proportion of polyhydric alcohols c) is, based on the finished compositions, preferably 0.5 to 20% by weight, particularly preferably 0.5 to 10% by weight.

[0032] Polyhydric alcohols c) are to be understood as meaning alcohols with at least two OH groups.

[0033] Preference is given to glycols, particular preference is given to ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, butanediols, particularly preferably 1,3-butanediol, glycerol, thioglycerol, sorbitol, xylitol and mannitol.

[0034] Particular preference is given to propylene glycol, glycerol and 1,3-butanediol.

[0035] Optionally, to improve the performance properties, the compositions according to the invention may comprise unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Preferred monoalcohols are ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol and tert-butanol, particularly preferably isopropanol. Based on the finished compositions, the compositions preferably comprise less than 5% by weight, particularly preferably less than 1% by weight, of such monoalcohols. In a likewise preferred embodiment, the compositions are free from such monoalcohols.

[0036] The compositions according to the invention preferably have a setting point below 100° C., particularly preferably below 95° C., especially preferably below 90° C., very particularly preferably 85° C.

[0037] The flash point of the compositions according to the invention is preferably above 80° C., particularly preferably above 100° C.

[0038] The compositions according to the invention may, for example, be pellets, flakes, extrudates, pastes, compacts, powders, and also emulsions or dispersions.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the compositions according to the invention are prepared by preparing a mixture comprising

[0040] i) at least one quaternary ammoniun compound a), optionally containing a branched or unbranched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms,

[0041] ii) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms,

[0042] iii) at least one polyhydric alcohol c) and

[0043] iv) optionally at least one unbranched or branched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the components i) to iv) are mixed and then heated, optionally with stirring. Here, the temperature is chosen so that the mixture is in the form of a melt. Preference is given to temperatures of from 70 to 120° C., particularly preferably 80 to 110° C. In another preferred embodiment, the component i) is introduced as a melt.

[0045] The quaternary ammonium compounds a) of component i) can be prepared in a known manner by alkylation of a tertiary amine in the presence of at least one unbranched or branched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, preferably ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, isobutanol and tert-butanol, particularly preferably isopropanol. The quaternary ammonium compounds are preferably used as pellets or particularly preferably as powders. In a preferred embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compounds comprise less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 2% by weight, of monoalcohols. In a further preferred embodiment, the quaternary ammonium compounds comprise 10 to 25% by weight of monoalcohols. The compositions according to the invention preferably have a total content of unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms of less than 5% by weight, particularly preferably less than 1% by weight.

[0046] In a likewise preferred embodiment, the compositions according to the invention are free from unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0047] To establish the desired content of monoalcohols in the compositions according to the invention, the components i) and/or iv) are correspondingly chosen and calculated and/or the monoalcohols are partially or completely removed from the component i) beforehand.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the monoalcohols are subsequently removed from the compositions according to the invention except for the desired residual content. The monoalcohols are preferably stripped off at 700 to 10 mbar, preferably 400 to 70 mbar, and 60 to 90° C.

[0049] The monoalcohols can also be distilled off at atmospheric pressure in suitable evaporation devices (e.g. thin-film evaporator) at temperatures up to 120° C.

[0050] Surprisingly, it has been found that the compositions according to the invention can also be prepared “in situ” by alkylation of

[0051] i) at least one tertiary amine NR₁R₂R₃,

[0052] where

[0053] R₁ is an unbranched or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, a group R₅CONH(CH₂)_(n)— or a group R₅COO(CH₂)_(n)—, where R₅ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 8, and R₂ and R₃, independently of one another, may be identical or different and are —CH₃—, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂(OH), by

[0054] ii) at least one alkylating agent chosen from

[0055] a) R₄X, where R₄ is —CH₃, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂(OH), and X is Cl, I, Br, OSO₃H or methosulfate, and/or

[0056] b) ethylene oxide and an acid HX, where X is Cl, I, Br, OSO₃H, citrate or lactate,

[0057] in the presence of

[0058] iii) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms and

[0059] iv) at least one polyhydric alcohol c) and

[0060] v) optionally at least one unbranched or branched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0061] Preferably, in the reaction, the feed amounts of branched alcohols b1), unbranched alcohols b2), polyhydric alcohols c) and optionally unbranched or branched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are chosen to correspond to the composition already described above as preferred for the compositions according to the invention. The contents can also be adjusted by subsequent addition or removal.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, no unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms are used in the reaction.

[0063] The compositions according to the invention prepared by the above-described processes can be converted as homogeneous or inhomogeneous melts by cooling into pellets, flakes, extrudates or pastes or, after cooling, be further processed to give compacts, powders, granulates, emulsions or dispersions.

[0064] The compositions according to the invention are generally suitable for the preparation of compositions comprising quaternary ammonium compounds. The compositions are particularly suitable for the preparation of cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions. In particular, they are suitable for the preparation of hair-treatment compositions.

[0065] The invention accordingly also provides for the use of the compositions according to the invention for the preparation of compositions, preferably cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions, in particular hair-treatment compositions, comprising quaternary ammonium compounds. Examples of preferred compositions are shampoos, rinse-off hair conditioners, cream rinses, clear rinses, hair cures, hair colorants and hair tints, permanent waving compositions, hair gels, hair conditioners in aerosol, spray and fluid form, 2-in-1 shower preparations, cream shower preparations, skincare compositions, day creams, night creams, care creams, nutrient creams, body lotions and ointments.

[0066] The cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions comprise the compositions according to the invention, based on the finished compositions, preferably in amounts of from 0.1 to 15% by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 10% by weight, particularly preferably 1 to 7% by weight.

[0067] The cosmetic, dermatological and pharmaceutical compositions can comprise, as further auxiliaries and additives, all customary surfactants, oily substances, emulsifiers and coemulsifiers, cationic polymers, film formers, super fatting agents, moisture-donating agents, stabilizers, biogenic active ingredients, glycerol, preservatives, pearlizing agents, dyes and fragrances, solvents, hydrotropic agents, opacifiers, thickeners, dispersants, protein derivatives, such as gelatins, collagen hydrolyzates, natural and synthetic-based polypeptides, egg yolk, lecithin, lanolin and lanolin derivatives, fatty alcohols, silicones, deodorizing agents, substances with a keratolytic and keratoplastic action, enzymes, carrier substances, antioxidants, UV light protection filters, pigments and metal oxides, and antimicrobially effective agents.

[0068] The surfactants used may be anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric and/or zwitterionic surfactants. Preferred nonionic surfactants contain, as hydrophilic group, a polyol group, a polyolalkenyl ether group, or a combination of polyol and polyglycol ether groups. Preference is given to addition products of from 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide, 2 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide together with up to 5 mol of propylene oxide or of up to 5 mol of propylene oxide onto linear fatty alcohols having 8 to 22 carbon atoms and alkylphenols having 8 to 15 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, (C₁₂-C₁₉)-fatty acid mono- and diesters of addition products of from 1 to 30 mol of ethylene oxide onto glycerol, glycerol mono- and diesters and sorbitan mono- and diesters of saturated and unsaturated (C₈-C₁₈)-fatty acids and ethylene oxide addition products thereof, (C₈-C₁₈)-alkylmono- and oligoglycosides and ethoxylated analogs thereof, addition products of from 10 to 60 mol of ethylene oxide onto castor oil and hydrogenated castor oil, ethoxylated and nonethoxylated mono-, di- and trialkyl monophosphoric esters, in particular mono-, di- and tri(lauryl tetraglycol ether) o-phosphoric esters and mono-, di- and tri(cetyl tetraglycol ether) o-phosphoric esters.

[0069] Preferred amphoteric surfactants carry a (C₈-C₁₈)-alkyl or acyl group and at least one free amino group and at least one —COOH or —SO₃H group. Preference is given to N-acylglycines, N-alkylpropionic acid, N-alkylaminobutyric acids, N-alkyliminodipropionic acids, N-hydroxyethyl-N-alkylamidopropylglycines, N-alkyltaurines, N-alkylsarcosines, 2-alkylaminopropionic acids and alkylaminoacetic acids having in each case 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. Particular preference is given to N-cocoalkylaminopropionate, cocoacylaminoethylaminopropionate and (C₁₂-C₁₈)-alkylsarcosines.

[0070] Particularly suitable zwitterionic surfactants are betaines, such as, for example, N-alkyl-N,N-dimethylammonium glycinates, e.g. cocoalkyldimethylammonium glycinates, N-acylaminopropyl-N-N-dimethylammonium glycinates, e.g. cocoacylaminopropyldimethylammonium glycinate, 2-alkyl-3-carboxymethyl-3-hydroxyethylimidazolines having in each case 8 to 18 carbon atoms in the alkyl or acyl group and cocoacylaminoethyl hydroxyethylcarboxymethyl glycinate.

[0071] The compositions preferably comprise surfactant mixtures, particular preference being given to mixtures of nonionic and zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:5 or mixtures of nonionogenic surfactants and any desired mixtures of zwitterionic and amphoteric surfactants in a weight ratio of from 5:1 to 1:5.

[0072] Suitable oily substances are all known oils, fats and waxes of mineral, animal, vegetable and synthetic origin. Preference is given, as oil and fatty components, to diallyl ethers having a total of 12 to 24 carbon atoms, fatty acid esters having a total of 12 to 26 carbon atoms, liquid hydrocarbons having 10 to 32 carbon atoms and mixtures thereof. Suitable fatty acid esters are, for example, methyl palmitate, ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, n-hexyl laurate, n-butyl stearate and cetyl/stearyl isononanoate.

[0073] Particular preference is given to paraffin oils, vaseline, vegetable oils, synthetic triglycerides, such as, for example, glyceryl tricaprylate, and also silicone oils.

[0074] Super fatting agents which may be used are substances such as, for example, lanolin and lecithin, and polyethoxylated or acylated lanolin and lecithin derivatives, polyol fatty acid esters, monoglycerides and fatty acid alkanolamides.

[0075] Suitable bodying agents are fatty alcohols having 12 to 22, preferably 12 to 18, carbon atoms, and also partial glycerides.

[0076] Further thickeners which may be used are polysaccharides, in particular xantham gum, guar-guar, agar-agar, alginates, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, relatively high molecular weight polyethylene glycol mono- and diesters of fatty acids, polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinylpyrrolidone, surfactants such as, for example, ethoxylated fatty acid glycerides, esters of fatty acids with polyols such as, for example, pentaerythritol or trimethylpropane, fatty alcohol ethoxylates or alkyl oligoglucosides, and electrolytes, such as sodium chloride and ammonium chloride.

[0077] Examples of suitable silicone compounds are dimethylpolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxanes, cyclic silicones, and amino-, fatty acid-, alcohol-, polyether-, epoxy-, fluorine- and/or alkyl-modified silicone compounds which, at room temperature, may either be in liquid form or in the form of a resin.

[0078] Biogenic active ingredients are to be understood as meaning, for example, Bisabolol®, Allantoin®, Phytantriol®, Panthenol®, AHAs, plant extracts and vitamin complexes.

[0079] Antidandruff agents which can be used are Climbazole®, Octopirox®, Oxiconazole® and Zinc Pyrethione®.

[0080] Customary film formers are chitosan, microcrystalline chitosan, quaternized chitosan, polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymers, polymers of the acrylic acid series, quaternary cellulose derivatives, collagen, hyaluronic acid and salts thereof and similar compounds.

[0081] To improve the flow behavior, hydrotropic agents, such as, for example, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol or glucose, can also be used.

[0082] Suitable preservatives are, for example, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde solution, parabens, pentanediol and sorbic acid.

[0083] An available moisture-donating substance is, for example, isopropyl palmitate, glycerol and/or sorbitol.

[0084] The total content of auxiliaries and additives in the compositions is preferably 1 to 50% by weight, particularly preferably 5 to 40% by weight.

[0085] The examples below serve to illustrate the invention, but do not limit it.

EXAMPLES

[0086] a) Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (Behenyltrimethylammonium Chloride)

[0087] Behenyltrimethylammonium chloride prepared in the solvent isopropanol was dried in the form of pellets to remove the solvent in a vacuum oven for 14 hours at a temperature of 74° C. and a pressure of 200 mbar until the weight was constant. The pellets dried in this way were ground to give a powder and sieved (sieve width: 630 μm).

[0088] b) Preparation of the Compositions According to the Invention:

[0089] The behenyltrimethylammonium chloride powder obtained in a) was mixed with a branched alcohol b1) or a mixture of branched alcohols b1) and unbranched alcohols b2) and a polyhydric alcohol c). The mixtures were then homogenized in a sealed powder bottle in a drying cabinet with heating and repeated stirring until the powder had completely dissolved. By slowly reducing the temperature in the drying cabinet, the setting points were determined. The quat activity was determined by cation titration.

Example 1

[0090] 6.7 g of dried and sieved behenyltrimethylammonium chloride was introduced into a 50 ml powder bottle made of glass and treated with 3.0 g of ®LIAL 145 (Sasol) and 0.3 g of an 87% strength by weight aqueous glycerol solution. After the bottle had been sealed, the mixture was heated at about 100° C. for 12 hours. During this period, the sample was stirred a number of times using a spatula in order to homogenize the mixture. This gave a clear, slightly yellowish solution which solidified at 80-84° C. and was completely molten again at 90° C. At 25° C., the composition was wax-like solid. The quat active content was 67% by weight.

Example 2

[0091] 6.5 g of dried and sieved behenyltrimethylammonium chloride was introduced into a 50 ml powder bottle made of glass and treated with 2.9 g of ®LIAL 145 (Sasol) and 0.6 g of propylene glycol. After the bottle had been sealed, the mixture was heated at about 100° C. for 4 hours and at 90° C. for a further 12 hours. During this period, the sample was stirred a number of times using a spatula in order to homogenize the mixture. This gave a clear, slightly yellowish solution which slowly solidified at 76-81° C. and was completely clear and molten again at 90° C. At 25° C., the composition was wax-like solid. The quat active content was 65% by weight.

Example 3

[0092] 7.0 g of dried and sieved behenyltrimethylammonium chloride was introduced into a 50 ml powder bottle made of glass and treated with 2.4 g of ®LIAL 145 (Sasol) and 0.6 g of propylene glycol. After the bottle had been sealed, the mixture was heated at about 100° C. for 4 hours and at 90° C. for a further 12 hours. During this period, the sample was stirred a number of times using a spatula in order to homogenize the mixture. This gave a clear, slightly yellowish solution which slowly solidified at 80-84° C. and was completely clear and molten again at 90° C. At 25° C., the composition was wax-like solid. The quat active content was 70% by weight.

Example 4

[0093] 6.7 g of dried and sieved behenyltrimethylammonium chloride was introduced into a 50 ml powder bottle made of glass and treated with 2.8 g of ®LIAL 145 (Sasol) and 0.5 g of 1,3-butanediol. After the bottle had been sealed, the mixture was heated at about 100° C. for 16 hours. During this period, the sample was stirred a number of times using a spatula in order to homogenize the mixture. This gave a clear, slightly yellowish solution which slowly solidified at 95-97° C. and was completely clear and molten again at 100° C. At 25° C., the composition was wax-like solid. The quat active content was 67% by weight.

Example 5

[0094] 4.88 g of dried and sieved behenyltrimethylammonium chloride was introduced into a 50 ml powder bottle made of glass and treated with 4.61 g of ®LIAL 145 (Sasol) and 0.51 g of 1,3-butanediol. After the bottle had been sealed, the mixture was heated at about 100° C. for 4 hours and at 90° C. for a further 12 hours. During this period, the sample was stirred a number of times using a spatula in order to homogenize the mixture. This gave a clear, slightly yellowish solution which slowly solidified at 68-72° C. and was completely clear and molten again at 90° C. At 25° C., the composition was wax-like solid. The quat active content was 48% by weight.

Comparative Example 4a

[0095] 4.88 g of dried and sieved behenyltrimethylammonium chloride was introduced into a 50 ml powder bottle made of glass and treated with 4.61 g of cetyl alcohol and 0.51 g of 1,3-butanediol. After the bottle had been sealed, the mixture was heated at about 100° C. for 4 hours and 90° C. for a further 12 hours. During this period, the sample was stirred a number of times with a spatula in order to homogenize the mixture. This gave a clear solution which slowly solidified at 84-86° C. and was completely clear and molten again at 90° C.

[0096] Examples 6 to 8 give formulation examples. The compositions according to the invention were pelletized by being dropped onto a cold metal plate and then incorporated into the formulations.

Example 6 Cream Rinse

[0097] A Composition according to the invention Ex. 12.2% by weight ®HOSTAPHAT KL 340 D 1.5% by weight (trilaureth-4 phosphate, Clariant) Cetyl alcohol 3% by weight Paraffin oil 1% by weight B Water 92.3% by weight C Citric acid q.s.

[0098] Preparation:

[0099] I) Melt A at 75° C.

[0100] II) Heat B to 75° C.

[0101] III) Stir B into A and further stir the mixture until cool

[0102] IV) Adjust pH to pH=4 using C.

Example 7 O/W Handcream

[0103] A Composition from Ex. 1 3% by weight ®Hostacerin DGSB 6% by weight (PEG-4 polyglycerol-2-stearate, Clariant) Paraffin oil, high viscosity 10% by weight Isopropyl palmitate 10% by weight B Water 70.6% by weight Preservative q.s. C Perfume 0.4% by weight

[0104] Preparation:

[0105] I) Melt A at 80° C.

[0106] II) Heat B to 80° C.

[0107] III) Stir B into A and further stir the mixture until cool

[0108] IV) Add C to III at 35° C.

Example 8 Hair Conditioner with Pearlescent Effect

[0109] A Composition from Ex. 1 2.2% by weight ®Genamin KSL 9% by weight (PEG-5 stearyl ammonium lactate, Clariant) ®Hostaphat KL 340 D 1.5% by weight (trilaureth-4 phosphate, Clariant) Jojoba oil 1% by weight B ®Tylose H 100 000 YP2 1.5% by weight (Hydroxyethylcellulose, Clariant) C Water ad 100% D Perfume 0.5% by weight Panthenol 0.5% by weight Genapol PDC (Clariant) 4% by weight (Glycol distearate, laureth-4, cocamidopropyl betaine, mica, titanium dioxide) E Citric acid q.s.

[0110] Preparation:

[0111] I) Heat components A to 75° C.

[0112] II) Dissolve B well in C and heat to 75° C.

[0113] III) Add II to I with stirring

[0114] IV) Allow to cool with stirring and add the components D to III at 30° C. one after the other

[0115] V) Adjust pH to pH=4 using E. 

1. A composition comprising a) at least one quaternary ammonium compound according to formula (1)

where R₁ is an unbranched or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, a group R₅CONH(CH₂)_(n)— or a group R₅COO(CH₂)_(n)—, where R₅ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 8, and R₂, R₃ and R₄, independently of one another, may be identical or different and are a —CH₃, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂—, —CH₂CH₂OH or —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH group and X⁻ is an anion, and b) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, and c) at least one polyhydric alcohol having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.
 2. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which comprises, as component b), a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2).
 3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of quaternary ammonium compounds a), based on the finished composition, is 30 to 90% by weight.
 4. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compounds a) are (C₁₂-C₃₆)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds.
 5. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anion X⁻ in formula (1) is selected from the group consisting of chloride, iodide, bromide, methosulfate, hydrogensulfate, lactate, citrate, and mixtures thereof.
 6. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compound a) is behenyltrimethylammonium chloride.
 7. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of alcohols b), based on the finished composition, is 10 to 60% by weight.
 8. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is 90:10 to 10:90.
 9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the branched alcohols b1) and the unbranched alcohols b2) each have 10 to 24 carbon atoms.
 10. The composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1, wherein the branched alcohols b1) are Guerbet alcohols selected from the group consisting of 2-methyl-1-decanol, 2-ethyl-1-nonanol, 2-propyl-1-octanol, 2-butyloctanol, 2-butyldecanol, 2-hexyloctanol, 2-hexyldecanol, 2-octyldecanol, 2-hexyldodecanol, 2-octyldodecanol, 2-decyltetradecanol, 2-butyl-1-heptanol, 2-dodecylhexadecanol, tetradecyloctadecanol, 2-tetradecyleicosanol, 2-hexadecyloctadecanol, 2-hexadecyleicosanol, 2-methyltridecanol, 2-ethyldodecanol, 2-propylundecanol, 2-pentylnonanol, 2-heptylheptanol, 2-methyltetradecanol, 2-ethyltridecanol, 2-propyldodecanol, 2-butylundecanol, 2-pentyldecanol, 2-hexylnonanol, 2-heptyloctanol, isotridecyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.
 11. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unbranched alcohols b2) are fatty alcohols selected from the group consisting of lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, eicosanyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, nonanol, undecanol, tridecanol, pentadecanol ,heptadecanol, and mixtures thereof.
 12. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of polyhydric alcohols c), based on the finished composition, is 0.5 to 20% by weight.
 13. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polyhydric alcohols c) are selected from the group consisting of glycols, butanediols, glycerol, thioglycerol, sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, and mixtures thereof.
 14. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which comprises unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 15. The composition as claimed in claim 14, which comprises, based on the finished composition, less than 5% by weight, of the unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 16. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which has a setting point below 100° C.
 17. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which has a flash point above 80° C.
 18. The composition as claimed in claim 1, which is in the form of pellets, flakes, extrudates, pastes, compacts, powders, emulsions or dispersions.
 19. A process for the preparation of compositions as claimed in claim 1, which comprises preparing a mixture comprising i) at least one quaternary ammoniun compound a), ii) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and at least one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms, and iii) at least one polyhydric alcohol c).
 20. A process for the preparation of a composition as claimed in claim 1, which comprises alkylating i) at least one tertiary amine NR₁R₂R₃, where R₁ is an unbranched or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms, a group R₅CONH(CH₂)_(n)— or a group R₅COO(CH₂)_(n)—, where R₅ is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 12 to 36 carbon atoms and n is a number from 1 to 8, and R₂ and R₃, independently of one another, may be identical or different and are CH₃—, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH₂(OH), by ii) at least one alkylating agent chosen from a) R₄X, where R₄ is CH₃—, CH₃CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂—, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂— or —CH₂CH(OH)CH₂(OH), and X is Cl, I, Br, OSO₃H or methosulfate, and/or b) ethylene oxide and an acid HX, where X is Cl, I, Br, OSO₃H, citrate or lactate, in the presence of iii) at least one branched alcohol b1) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms or a mixture of at least one branched alcohol b1) and one unbranched alcohol b2) having 8 to 36 carbon atoms and iv) at least one polyhydric alcohol c).
 21. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of quaternary ammonium compounds a), based on the finished composition, is 50 to 90% by weight.
 22. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compounds a) are (C₁₄-C₃₀)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds.
 23. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the quaternary ammonium compounds a) are (C₁₆-C₂₄)-alkyltrimethylammonium compounds.
 24. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the anion X⁻ in formula (1) is chloride and/or methosulfate.
 25. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of alcohols b), based on the finished composition, is 10 to 50% by weight.
 26. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of alcohols b), based on the finished composition, is 20 to 40% by weight.
 27. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is 70:30 to 30:70.
 28. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of branched alcohols b1) to unbranched alcohols b2) is 60:40 to 40:60.
 29. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the branched alcohols b1) and the unbranched alcohols b2) each have 12 to 18 carbon atoms.
 30. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the branched alcohols b1) and the unbranched alcohols b2) each have 14 to 16, carbon atoms.
 31. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content of polyhydric alcohols c), based on the finished composition, is 0.5 to 10% by weight.
 32. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polyhydric alcohols c) are selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and mixtures thereof.
 33. The composition as claimed in claim 14, wherein the unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms comprises isopropanol.
 34. The composition as claimed in claim 14, which comprises, based on the finished composition, less than 1% by weight, of the unbranched or branched monoalcohols having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 35. The composition as claimed in claims 1, which has a setting point below 95° C.
 36. The composition as claimed in claims 1, which has a setting point below 90° C.
 37. The composition as claimed in claims 1, which has a setting point below 85° C.
 38. The composition as claimed in at least one of claims 1 to 16, which has a flash point above 100° C.
 39. The process of claim 19 further comprising adding a branched or unbranched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 40. The process of claim 20 further comprising conducting said alkylating in the presence of a branched or unbranched monoalcohol having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.
 41. A cosmetic preparation comprising the composition of claim
 1. 42. A dermatological preparation comprising the composition of claim
 1. 43. A pharmaceutical preparation comprising the composition of claim
 1. 44. A hair-treatment composition comprising the composition of claim
 1. 45. The hair-treatment composition as defined in claim 46 in the form of shampoos, rinse-off hair conditioners, cream rinses, clear rinses, hair cures, hair colorants, hair tints, permanent waving compositions, or hair gels.
 46. The hair treatment composition as defined in claim 46 in aerosol form, spray form or fluid form.
 47. A process for treating hair comprising contacting hair with the hair-treatment composition of claim
 46. 